Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

New Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and deaths continue to be reported in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Between 2-4 August 2014, 108 new cases (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) and 45 deaths were reported as follows: Guinea, 10 cases and 5 deaths; Liberia, 48 cases and 27 deaths; Nigeria, 5 cases and 0 deaths; and Sierra Leone, 45 cases and 13 deaths.

As of 4 August 2014, the cumulative number of cases attributed to EVD in the four countries stands at 1711, including 932 deaths. The distribution and classification of the cases are listed below:

• Guinea - 495 cases (351 confirmed, 133 probable, and 11 suspected) and 363 deaths.
• Liberia - 516 cases (143 confirmed, 252 probable, and 121 suspected) and 282 deaths.
• Nigeria - 9 cases ( 0 confirmed, 2 probable and 7 suspected) and 1 death.
• Sierra Leone - 691 cases (576 confirmed, 49 probable, and 66 suspected) and 286 deaths.

(Via WHO AFRO - accessed 08/07/14)

Advice for Travellers

The risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola haemorrhagic fever is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. Healthcare workers are at particular risk, although practising appropriate infection control should effectively prevent transmission of disease in this setting.

Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.

• Further information on Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers.